Manchester United opinion: The Red Devils should sign Thomas Partey

According to a report from the Sun, Manchester United and Arsenal are interested in Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey, whose dad has revealed that the 26-year-old is keen to play in England.

Thomas Partey enjoyed another impressive season for Diego Simeone’s side during the 2018/19 campaign – chipping in with three goals in 42 games. The Ghana international is tied down to Atletico Madrid until 2023.

However, he has a release clause of just £43.5million and recently admitted he doesn’t know what the future holds. With Partey keen to play in England, Manchester United must beat Arsenal to his signature this summer.

United are in need of reinforcements all over the park over the summer after a disappointing 2018/19 campaign that saw them finish sixth in the table.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have already completed the signing of Daniel James from Swansea City and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace.

The Red Devils must quickly turn their attention towards shoring their backline and bolstering the midfield options. They struggled with finding a consistently impressive midfield last season and the departures of Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera have weakened Solskjaer’s squad.

Neither has yet been replaced, Paul Pogba’s future remains uncertain, Nemanja Matic struggled last term and Fred had an underwhelming debut campaign at Old Trafford.

The key to a successful midfield is balance and United lacked that for the majority of the last campaign. It’s a problem Solskjaer has to fix this summer and getting in Thomas Partey should be one of his top priorities.

A defensive midfielder by trade, Partey boasts a fine blend of attacking and defensive attributes that truly make him a well-rounded player.

He would add much-needed steel and bite into United’s midfield, whilst providing them with the balance they lacked last term. The Ghana international is a top tackler, skilful, strong on the ball and can also play at right-back if required.

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Add his work-rate, versatility and rich experience of Champions League to his range of qualities and Solskjaer would get a fantastic player in Partey, who could be the perfect long-term replacement for Matic at Old Trafford.

Verdict

Given United have lost Herrera this summer and Matic no longer being the player he was, Partey could be a terrific addition to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad, and they could certainly afford to meet his release clause.